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Rachelle and Ariana Adopted

The day after I returned from my trip to North Carolina in the fall of 2005, I got a phone call that would forever change my life. My wife was calling me at work to inform me that she had agreed to a short-term foster placement of two teenage girls. I was in shock; I couldn't believe it. We had just accepted the placement of Emily and her two-year old sister a couple of days before. We also had another teenage foster child that had been living with us for eight months. And to top it all off, we had just been forced to request that our foster agency move a twelve year old girl that was incredibly difficult to handle.

We were very wary of having teenagers, so Crystal made the social worker promise that the girls would absolutely, positively, under no circumstances, be left in our home for more than a week. They assured us that they would be able to find them a more permanent place in that time, and that we wouldn't have to worry about having them in our home long term.

Given that promise, Crystal went to the agency to pick them up. She took one look at them and fell in love. About three days later, we knew we wanted to adopt these girls. So much for only having them for a week!

The last year and a half have had more than their fair share of ups and downs. But I'm thrilled to report that we finalized our adoptions of Rachelle and Ariana this morning. We now have three children that are legally ours!

Girls, I love you so much. You brighten my life every day that you are a part of it. Both of you are bright, extremely funny, and a blast to be around. Thanks for letting me be your Dad! And no, the week isn't over yet, and it never will be.